Philadelphia, Pa.- Duke’s
goal to bring back its second ever Penn Relay’s Carnival Wheel was successful as
the women’s 4x800m team crossed the finish line at the packed Franklin Field in
first place.

The team of Esther Vermeer, Devotia Moore, Cydney RossandKate Van Buskirk, finished in a time of 8:25.95, breaking the school record
by 7 seconds and capturing the coveted Penn Relay’s title. Moore posted the
fastest split with a time 2:04.62 with Van Buskirk finishing strong for the
Blue Devils in 2:05.70. The four also set a school record in the women’s DMR
Thursday with a time of 11:02.01 and taking fourth at the meet.

Other highlights include freshman Erica Brand setting a new
personal record in the discus throw with a toss of 159’6” and ACC champion
Andrea Hopkins took second in the javelin throw with her throw of 153’.On the men’s side in the throws,John Austin
and Austin Gamblenew school records in their respective events. Austin sent
the javelin flying 233’11” to a second place finish in the championship section
and Gamble took fourth in the discus with an 181’5” effort. Michael Barbas finished in fourth with a throw of 55'2.75" in the men's shot put. FreshmanMichael Kronetied the outdoor school record and finished third in the college men's high jump with a leap of 6'11.5".

Many Duke student-athletes will rest up this week and focus
on their studies before making a last push to chase after qualifying marks for
the IC4A championships and NCAA first round at the Duke Twilight.